Joseph Francis Matthews

October 19, 1930 - April 13, 2023

(92 Glorious Years)

Joe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was the seventh child of Mary A. Mahoney and William F. Matthews. Joe's siblings Virginia, Delores, Anthony, Marie (June), William and John (Dick) all predeceased him. His last living sibling is his youngest sister Geraldine (Gerry).

Joe spent his early years in Philadelphia, and attended Saint Joseph's University, a private Jesuit University. He later attended Mount Saint Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, New York, an American Roman Catholic Seminary founded in 1907 by the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorist). With his handsome good looks, Joe became the "poster boy" for the Seminary and his face graced the cover of The Esopus Story magazine. A 6 foot statue of him was built when he became a recruiter for the Seminary.

Joe served as a priest in Puerto Rico for several years where he was able to use his Spanish language skills. He left the priesthood in the early 70's and went on to attend New York University where he receive his Master's Degree in Business Administration.

In 1971, while riding his bicycle along the streets of Manhattan, he met a lovely young woman named Carol Kennedy who would become his life long partner and wife.

For more than 23 years, Joe held several positions within the Government for the City of New York. One position was as the Director for the Department of Homeless Services, however his last position before retiring, was as Deputy Director/Field Manager for Brooklyn Division of AIDS Services where he oversaw a staff of 230 employees in the four Brooklyn centers that helped about 5,000 people a year who were either HIV positive or were suffering from AIDS. In 1994, for his exemplary service, he received The Sloan Public Service Award of the Fund for the City of New York and $10,000. This award was given at a dinner ceremony hosted by the Mayor of the City of New York. Also in 1994, he received $5,000 for Outstanding Managerial Performance.

After moving to Florida, Joe received an "Appreciation Day" Certificate from President George W. Bush and other correspondence from the President where he referred to Joe as "The Sultan of Snowden" (a reference to Joe's street address in Florida). The President also invited Joe to visit him in Texas.

Joe was an avid jogger, and along with mi amor (Carol), they ran numerous marathons and races in and out of New York State. In 1995, Joe retired and gave up New York City to move to Florida where he also gave up his business attire for shorts and sandals. So a new life began in Florida where the SAMMYS was born along with the "Not by Much" tennis group. Joe became an avid golfer, a player of pickle ball and a power lifter. He also continued his love of walking, jogging and aqua jogging.

Joe had a great fondness for children and his great grandnephew Maurice (Mauricio as uncle Joe called him) would spend his summers with uncle Joe and aunt Carol, and uncle Joe would take Mauricio to the Westchase summer camp every day. Not to be outdone, great grandnephew Richie would pend weekends and summers with uncle Joe and aunt Carol playing soft ball, touch football and taking karate lessons. As we all know, Richie moved in permanently and was spoiled royally by his uncle.

Joe was an awesome writer, speaker, painter and person, and for all of us who knew and loved him, we can truly say he was also the kindest, loving and most giving person we knew. He did not partake in gossip and always complimented everyone he met. In stores where he shopped, he knew every employee by name and every employee knew him. There were many famous people born in the year 1930, but none as famous and lovable as or Joe or as Carol called him, her "mi amor." So as the final sun has set for our Joe, we'll just say adios Joe until we meet again.

Left behind are: Joe's wife Carol (mi amor), sister Gerry, a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, grand and great grand nieces and nephews (including baby Zanai dubbed by uncle Joe as "baby Love"). Sister-in-law Yvonne Kennedy, brother-in-law Rickey Kennedy and a host of loving friends and neighbors.

There will be a viewing Thursday, 4/20/2023 from 6-8 pm at the Blount & Curry West Chapel, 6802 Silvermill Dr., Tampa and a Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 am, Friday, 4/21/2023 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa

The family is having a reception Friday, 4/21/2023, 12:00 pm, at the Westchase Swim & Tennis Center, 10405 Countryway Blvd., Tampa